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Did the anti-avoidance rules curtail the profit shifting of foreign multinationals in China?

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  • Xue, Mantian

Abstract

This paper analyzes the policy effect of the anti-avoidance rules introduced on January 1, 2008 on profit shifting of foreign multinationals in China. Based on micro data from the OSIRIS database, this paper finds that the anti-avoidance rules were quite effective in curbing profit shifting of foreign multinationals through raising the pre-tax margin of subsidiaries in China relative to those outside China by about 6.5 percentage points, or about 7.6 percentage points considering the anticipation effect. Besides, the results indicate that the anti-avoidance rules were more effective for multinationals in service industries or those registered in non-haven countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Xue, Mantian, 2024. "Did the anti-avoidance rules curtail the profit shifting of foreign multinationals in China?," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chieco:v:88:y:2024:i:c:s1043951x24001883
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chieco.2024.102299
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Anti-avoidance rule; Profit shifting; Foreign multinational;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F2 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business
    • H2 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue
    • H3 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents

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